NEW DELHI The Ministry of Home Affairs along with national cyber authorities issued an urgent safety advisory regarding rising digital arrest scam calls targeting citizens across India. Fraudsters posing as officials from enforcement agencies like CBI or TRAI are coercing victims into continuous video calls under the threat of immediate arrest. Authorities emphasized that no legal framework in India permits digital arrests or online cash transfers for clearance.
Scammers usually initiate contact by claiming that a target SIM card or Aadhaar number was used in criminal activities or financial laundering schemes. Victims are then transferred to fake police stations on video calls featuring artificial intelligence deepfakes and forged court documents to induce fear. Cybercriminals isolate individuals for hours demanding heavy payments into unknown bank accounts to avoid physical detention.
Law enforcement agencies clarified that legitimate law enforcement officers never demand money over video calls or order citizens to remain isolated at home. Citizens receiving suspicious calls threatening SIM deactivation or legal warrants are urged to disconnect immediately without sharing banking information. The government recommends reporting all fraudulent contact details on the Sanchar Saathi portal to block malicious SIM cards promptly.
Anyone targeted by digital arrest threats should lodge an immediate complaint on the National Cyber Crime portal or call the official 1930 helpline number. Timely reporting enables cyber cells to freeze fraudulent bank accounts quickly and prevent financial losses for unsuspecting citizens. Awareness drives are underway across states to protect vulnerable populations from falling prey to evolving digital fraud tactics.
